PENDLETON – The scene was set Friday night in Pendleton Heights as the Arabians (4-1, 2-0 Hoosier Heritage Conference) faced the Greenfield-Central Cougars (4-2).
The Pendleton community placed signs in the stands reading “1,000 Points.” Spotlights shined around the gym during introductions. The pep band showed up and provided the soundtrack for the celebration of junior Casey Warfel joining the 1,000-point club.
The celebration began with 7:32 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Arabians’ 55–26 victory. Warfel received a skip pass from junior Emma Roberts. He looked to the rim, planted his feet and hit a 3-pointer from the left wing, ultimately achieving the career milestone.
With the bucket, Warfel became the 11th player in Pendleton Heights history to reach 1,000 points, joining her sister Whitney, who had accomplished the mark the previous year. As the crowd chanted his name, the game stopped and he was given the game ball.
The Cougars put all of their defensive resources into stopping Warfel early in the game and limited him to just four points in the first 10 minutes of the game. Despite this, the Arabians used the attention Warfel received to move the ball around.
Sophomore Olivia Jones and freshman Ada Huffer led the way with 11 points apiece in the first half for Pendleton Heights. Warfel had to score his points in a different way and he did so by scoring eight of his 10 points in transition in the first half.
The Arabians forced Greenfield Christian into 13 turnovers in the first 16 minutes, giving them a 25–10 lead heading into the locker room.
Warfel scored in a variety of ways in the third quarter. He had another fast-break layup. He earned a trip to the line and split a pair of free throws, then followed it up with a layup. Haffer added five more points in the quarter, increasing the lead further.
Warfel finished with 22 points, while Huffer added 14 points.
The Arabians return to action on Saturday at home against Pike, with tip-off at approximately 7:30 p.m.